It’s a grim statistic, but having a working smoke alarm cuts your odds of dying in a fire in half.
That’s the message from Colin Lahey, Chief Fire Prevention Officer of the Burlington Fire Department ahead of Ontario’s Test Your Smoke Alarm Day on September 28.
Launched in response to the tragic 133 fire fatalities in Ontario in 2022 — the highest number in 20 years — Test Your Smoke Alarm Day is an initiative aimed at reminding Ontarians to test their smoke alarms, replace batteries, and ensure that their alarms are not expired.
"The message we want to get across is that smoke alarms expire," Lahey says.
"After 10 years, regardless of the type of alarm — whether it’s a carbon monoxide alarm, a smoke alarm, battery-powered or hardwired — the sensing technology is no longer reliable. This could mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire."
Many homeowners are unaware of the expiration dates on their smoke alarms, Lahey says.
But it’s simple enough to check:
Remove the alarm from its mounting bracket. The expiry date is usually found on the side of the alarm or the date of manufacture listed on the backside of the alarm.
"Testing your smoke alarm is crucial because if it’s not working, you’re not protected,” Lahey says.
“On September 28, we’re reminding people to take that step and test their alarms to ensure they are working."
A Concerning Trend
As Burlington Fire Department officials prepare for Test Your Smoke Alarm Day, they’re increasingly concerned about the number of expired alarms found in local homes, especially in neighbourhoods built around a decade ago.
"In these areas, we’re seeing an increase in malfunctioning alarms, which may be a sign they need to be replaced," Lahey says.
Assistance on the Way
But what about those homeowners who find climbing up on a ladder to check those alarms a bit of a struggle?
For residents who may find testing or replacing their alarms a challenge, the Burlington Fire Department offers an Alarm Assistance Program.
It’s a free, annual home safety visit from local firefighters, and a service for qualifying residents that could help save lives.
"This program is available for Burlington homeowners who are over 65 or have limited mobility," Lahey says.
"We can help you determine what alarms you need and assist with testing and replacing battery-powered devices."
To see if you're eligible for the program, contact the Burlington Fire Department at [email protected] or at 905-637-8207, ext. 6236.
You may also be referred to the program by your doctor, a family member, friend or emergency responder.
Be Aware of the Slightly Different Rules for Homeowners and Renters
The responsibility for maintaining smoke alarms varies depending on whether you own or rent your home.
"If you’re a renter, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to maintain smoke alarms," Lahey says.
Tampering with or removing smoke alarms in a rented property is against the law in Ontario.
Lahey says renters need to contact the property owner if they suspect the alarms aren’t in working condition. Landlords are required by law to test alarms annually and after a change in tenants.
Along with practicing your family’s home escape plan, homeowners should test alarms regularly
"If you’re the homeowner, it’s on you to ensure they are working.” Lahey says.
“The stakes are incredibly high — failure to install or maintain working smoke alarms result in property damage and loss of life."
With fire fatalities on the rise despite advancements in technology and building construction, Lahey stressed that testing smoke alarms is a simple but effective measure to protect families.
"In 2024, it’s simply unacceptable that people are dying in fires because of preventable issues like missing or non-working smoke alarms."
On September 28, take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms, replace any expired ones, and protect your home and loved ones from preventable fires.
For more information on smoke and CO alarm safety, visit here.
